Earthly Delight Part 1

On Akarihoshi, Aiko and Akihiko prepared only a few essentials they would need for their stay on Earth. They didn’t want to take too much—most of their clothing they planned to buy there, so they could blend in with the surroundings and maintain discretion.

Akihiko calmly handed over all his royal duties to Naoru. “Everything is in good hands,” he said, his eyes full of trust, his voice carrying a lightness unusual for him. Naoru bowed slightly, a gentle smile on his face, accepting the responsibility for the royal affairs, which could now wait.

Aiko had already instructed her parents to purchase some clothes for Akihiko, so he would feel comfortable on Earth, yet still appear ordinary. Her own clothing remained at home, reserved for later occasions.

When they teleported to Earth, they were greeted by warm air, completely different from the crisp, pure atmosphere of Akarihoshi. Aiko’s parents were already waiting at the door, smiling and slightly anxious as they saw the couple arrive safely.

“Welcome home, dear Aiko… and you too, Akihiko,” said Aiko’s mother, Emiko, with a warm smile and open arms.

“Welcome,” added Aiko’s father, Hiroshi, with a gentle smile and a spark of curiosity in his eyes. His warm, calm gaze rested on Akihiko, who felt slightly awkward, yet accepted.

Akihiko bowed his head as a proper prince should, though in his eyes one could see a mixture of gratitude and mild confusion: he was here without his powers, without shields or sword—just as a man who wanted to be close to Aiko.

“We’re so glad you arrived safely,” Emiko said softly, taking Aiko’s hand. Aiko smiled.

Hiroshi glanced at Akihiko, raising an eyebrow, then added with a smile, “I hope you’ll manage well on our planet.”

Akihiko nodded slightly, taking a deep breath and feeling the unusual warmth around him. For a moment, the world paused—no palace, no duties, only the cozy domestic atmosphere and Aiko’s trusting, loving gaze.

Emiko gently spoke again, “I’ve prepared some clothes for you, Akihiko. You’ll blend in quickly on Earth.”

“Thank you… this is very generous,” Akihiko said, slightly flushed, touched by the warmth of Aiko’s parents, so different from the formal receptions he was used to.

Aiko smiled softly, squeezing his hand. “Don’t worry, Akihiko. We’ll explore Earth together… and experience every wonder, step by step.”

Akihiko nodded, feeling a familiar mixture of gratitude, mild embarrassment, and excitement. “Together, Aiko,” he replied with a smile.

As they stepped inside, the comforting aroma of freshly cooked food immediately greeted them. Emiko had prepared a simple meal, nothing extravagant, just wholesome dishes to make their special guest feel at home.

“Akihiko, I thought we’d start with something light,” Emiko said warmly, placing plates on the table. “Just a small meal, nothing fancy—so you can get a taste of everyday life here.”

Akihiko looked pleasantly surprised. “This… smells incredible,” he said softly, his eyes scanning the food with curiosity. “On Akarihoshi, meals like this are always prepared by the palace chefs. Here… it feels so personal.”

Aiko smiled, sliding into her seat beside him. “Just relax, enjoy it.”

They ate together, laughter and conversation filling the room. Hiroshi occasionally teased Akihiko about Earthly customs, and Aiko joined in, explaining small details about the dishes. Akihiko listened attentively, tasting everything with careful curiosity, yet his smiles and nods showed genuine enjoyment.

“Everything tastes wonderful,” Akihiko said after finishing a bite of the simple miso soup. “It’s amazing how something so simple can feel… so comforting.”

Aiko reached for his hand across the table. “That’s the magic of home,” she said softly. “No grand ceremonies, no royal expectations—just warmth, good food, and company that cares.”

Akihiko’s gaze softened, his shoulders relaxing. For the first time in a long while, he felt completely at ease, embraced not by formalities, but by the warmth of a family’s care and the laughter shared over a simple, yet heartfelt meal.

Hiroshi slightly raised an eyebrow and smiled. “ I’ve already arranged a special ‘Earthly vehicle’ for Akihiko. I hope you’ll be able to handle it.” His gaze was playful, yet serious—he knew Akihiko would need some help adjusting. Akihiko’s cheeks flushed slightly, touched deeply by the warmth and personal care of Aiko’s parents. “Thank you… that’s very generous,” he said, with deep respect. Aiko smiled softly and stepped closer to him. “Don’t worry, Akihiko. Together, we’ll explore Earth… and master every one of its wonders, step by step.”

Afterward, Akihiko approached the car, sat behind the wheel, and held his breath. “So… simple,” he murmured, clearly a bit bewildered.

Aiko sat beside him, her fingers brushing his hand for encouragement. “Don’t worry,” she said with a gentle smile. “It’s simple. Just try moving it forward.”

Akihiko turned the wheel, but the car barely moved. He pressed the gas, but it jerked slightly. His face showed confusion, yet a playful spark appeared. “Hmm… Earth is full of surprises,” he said, as Aiko held his hand gently, stifling a laugh.

After a few attempts and minor hiccups, the car finally started moving. Akihiko focused completely—every movement, every press of a pedal was a new experience. Aiko quietly admired his effort. “You can feel every vibration of the road, can’t you?” she teased.

Akihiko blushed slightly but smiled. “It feels… different from Akarihoshi.”

Aiko leaned closer, feeling his mild tension slowly melt. “And yet, you’re incredible,” she whispered. “Even here, while learning.”

As the car rolled along the road, Akihiko realized this was something entirely new—a sense of freedom without powers, without a sword, without duties—just him and Aiko, exploring Earth together, step by step.

After hours of driving and laughter, they finally arrived at a small, charming seaside cottage. Simple and wooden, it had large windows letting in the scent of the salty sea and the gentle sound of waves. Aiko immediately opened the door, taking a deep breath of fresh air. “Here, it’s just the two of us.”

Akihiko followed, admiring the simplicity and serenity of the place. “No obligations… no palace halls, no expectations,” he murmured, his eyes sparkling with a quiet excitement. “Just us.”

Aiko leaned against him, their fingers intertwined. “Yes… and we can do whatever we want,” she whispered, blushing slightly at the thought of how fully theirs the time would be here.

The cottage had a small kitchen, a simple living space, and a cozy bedroom. Aiko showed Akihiko where his things were, but both knew most of their time would be spent outside—on the sandy beach, in the waves, or simply gazing at the sea from the veranda.

Stepping onto the terrace, the waves lapped gently at their feet. Akihiko slowly stepped into the water, feeling the cool, refreshing sea around his feet. Aiko mirrored him, her laughter ringing along the shore, easing every beat of his heart.

“It’s beautiful,” Akihiko said, taking a deep breath of sea air, then looking at Aiko with a tender, almost yearning expression. “Just us… so peaceful.”

Aiko leaned against him, his arm sliding gently around her waist. “I’ve always wanted moments like this,” she whispered. “Just us… without worries or expectations.”

Akihiko slowly pulled her closer, their foreheads touching, sharing the serenity of the moment. “With you,” he said, “I can find peace anywhere, even on Earth, far from everything I’ve known.”

The waves brushed the shore, the wind rustled through their hair, and for a moment, the world was entirely theirs—no powers, no sword, no royalty. Only Akihiko and Aiko, their love and quiet joy connecting them.